On the Local Government News Roundup for 26th June 2024:
- A council turns to FOI for information on a major development proposal
- The city of Melbourne to sell its Citywide waste business
- A reversal on a controversial CEO delegation increase
- A failed push for LGA boundary changes in Sydney
- Political interference concerns at the CEO level in NSW
- A mayor in hospital; and another referred to an integrity watchdog
- A new CEO appointed
- A NZ Councillor’s offensive rant prompts a conduct complaint
- And the German city with a pigeon problem
Plus more of the latest news from around the world of local government brought to you by the Victorian Local Governance Association,
with support from Davidson, the nationally recognised executive recruitment service and business advisory practice, presenting LG Innovate: Artificial Intelligence Summit for the local government C-Suite at Peregian Beach in September.
Listen to this episode here, and find the link for your podcast player here.
Transcript for episode 354:
Victorian Roundup:
Whitehorse City Council is unhappy with the state government over a lack of local input about the $1.57 billion Vicinity Centres project, a seven-tower development in Melbourne’s east.
The Age reported that the council had to lodge a freedom-of-information request to get basic details about the project.
The state government seized planning control last year through the state’s Development Facilitation Program and announced its approval this week.
The council expressed concerns over building heights, open space, wind tunnelling, overshadowing, and transport impacts, and Mayor Denise Massoud said it received no response to its submission on those issues.
The state government argues that it would have been inappropriate to release the full report until a decision on the development was finalised.
The City of Melbourne and Citywide have announced that Citywide’s waste business will be sold to Cleanaway for $110M.
The deal also includes a $35 million investment to redevelop the Dynon Road waste transfer station in West Melbourne.
The surplus proceeds from the sale will establish a City of Melbourne Future Fund for strategic community projects.
Cleanaway will enter into a 35-year lease of the Dynon Road waste transfer station and partner with the City of Melbourne to deliver a new, environmentally sustainable facility.
Yarra City Council will not proceed with a controversial proposal that would have allowed its CEO to buy and sell property worth up to $10 million without councillor approval.
The proposed change to the level of the CEO’s delegation was included in a draft property strategy which was out for consultation, and generated significant backlash from the community.
ABC News reported that the decision was announced shortly after the community consultation period ended on Monday.
The reversal has been welcomed by resident groups who had raised concerns about potential lack of oversight and democratic process.
City of Ballarat staff have voted in favour of a proposed new Enterprise Agreement.
CEO Evan King announced the result in a statement yesterday, revealing that 54.8% of staff members had voted YES in the poll.
Mr King said the new EA strikes the right balance between cost-of-living pressures for employees while ensuring the organisation can operate within its budgetary constraints.
The pay offer had been opposed by the Australian Services Union, leading to industrial action in an attempt to secure a better pay deal for members.
Greater Bendigo councillor Margaret O’Rourke has announced she will be stepping down at the upcoming local government elections.
Cr O’Rourke was mayor four times during her two terms on the council, and was recently awarded an Order of Australia medal for her services to the local community.
The Bendigo Advertiser reported that Cr O’Rourke is one of three current Greater Bendigo councillors so far to reveal they won’t be contesting the next elections.
Surf Coast Shire has announced it will no longer deliver in-home assessments of people seeking aged care services as a result of government changes to the system.
From 1st July, assessments will be conducted by government appointed contractors, and the council says it will provide assistance to ensure a smooth transition.
The transition is the last of five actions to be taken by the council in response to aged care reforms.
Bass Coast Shire and South Gippsland Shire Councils are collaborating on a community survey for the Feasibility Study of the Woolamai-Nyora rail trail extension.
The project is part of the 1,100-kilometre Gippsland Odyssey Trail, and aims to enhance recreational opportunities and boost the region’s tourism infrastructure.
An economic impact assessment estimates a direct economic benefit of $875,000 during the planning phase and $36.12 million during the construction phase.
Victorian Briefs:
Greater Bendigo council has voted against establishing an LGBTIQA+ advisory committee.
The Bendigo Advertiser reported that the decision was in response to a petition with 18 signatures.
The council will continue to implement a 2023 inclusion action plan that it says was developed through extensive consultations.
Work commences this month on stage one of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination in Yarra Ranges Shire, a project more than 10 years in the planning.
Stage one will bring over 100 km of new and upgraded trails, with the first set to open early next year.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is conducting a phone survey to gather further opinions from Romsey residents on the proposed installation of electronic gaming machines at the Romsey Hotel.
The Star Weekly reported that the survey follows a hearing by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) and a previous postal survey.
Murrindindi Shire Council is celebrating National Tree Day with a unique event.
The challenge has been issued to residents to get out in nature and hunt for the longest gum leaf.
There are prizes on offer, and the winners will be announced at a National Tree Day event next month.
Davidson, partnering with Amazon Web Services, to present a three day Artificial Intelligence Summit, hosted by Noosa Shire Council in September.
The summit will provide insights from industry leader through keynotes, customer stories, CEO panels and workshops.
Register now to be part of this important event, 10th to 12th September at the Peregian Beach Digital Hub.
Head to davidsonwp.com to find out more.
National Roundup:
NSW:
A proposal by Georges River mayor Sam Elmir for a boundary adjustment has failed.
Mayor Elmir wanted the council to seek the incorporation of parts of Canterbury Bankstown and Bayside LGAs into a new St George Council, and make the M5 the new boundary line.
The Daily Telegraph reported on outrage at the suggestion from Canterbury Bankstown councillor Karl Saleh, who described it as a land grab and a political stunt.
But the proposal failed to get off the ground, with a majority of Georges River councillors voting against it, according to the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader.
More than 50 CEOs and general managers of NSW local councils have been dismissed since the last local government elections, according to a new report from the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that concerns have been raised about political interference in senior leadership positions, prompting a call for the state government to separate politics from the hiring and firing of council leaders.
The issue has recently been highlighted with the suspension of Liverpool Council‘s chief executive, John Ajaka, and the termination and subsequent reinstatement of Ku-ring-gai‘s general manager, John McKee.
And there are fears of a new wave of politically motivated decisions about CEO and GM appointments following this September’s council elections.
While the Office of Local Government said councils have the right to make senior staff changes for any reason, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig is reported to be considering whether council general managers should come under an award, rather than be employed on a contract basis.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council mayor Kenrick Winchester has been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.
The Canberra Times reported that the incident occurred after a local Parkrun, and he was swiftly taken to Canberra Hospital.
The heart attack was caused by a clogged artery, which was treated with a stent.
Mayor Winchester is expected to take some time off from his duties to recover.
Clare Phelan, the current director of corporate support, has been appointed as the new CEO of **Sutherland Shire Council.**
Ms Phelan has been with the council for five years and has a background in senior leadership positions in local government.
She will succeed Manjeet Grewal who is stepping down after 31 years in the organisation including five years as the council’s first female CEO.
QLD:
Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon has confirmed a referral of conflict of interest allegations involving Cairns Mayor Amy Eden to a state integrity watchdog.
The allegations relate to the appointment of Mayor Eden’s former campaign advisor, John Andrejic, as the interim chief executive of the Council.
The Cairns Post reported the minister’s comments at a housing announcement in Cairns this week, where she confirmed that allegations had been put to the relevant authorities.
The Office of the Independent Assessor has also confirmed receipt of a complaint from the council about the publication of leaked confidential documents.
Toowoomba Regional Council has opened Queensland’s first Safe Active Street, a key link in the city’s West Creek active transport network.
The design includes additional streetscaping, speed bumps, formalised street parking, road markings, signage, and a 30km/h speed limit.
The project was inspired by a successful West Australian initiative, and aims to encourage residents to be more active and less reliant on private vehicles.
The council has developed information to help road users understand the new road rules.
Logan City Council has decided it won’t formally define the role of mayoress, after a long debate on the matter this week.
The Jimboomba Times reported that the issue was raised by a councillor, seeking legal advice on the use of the title.
The title has not previously held any formal status at the council.
SA:
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin has publicly criticised Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll, asking him to stop commenting on Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) matters, particularly since he resigned from the LCLGA board.
The SE Voice reported that Mayor Martin made a statement at the associations meeting last week, defending the board’s decisions and her actions as president.
She repeated an invitation to Wattle Range Council to send a representative to LCLGA meetings.
The criticism follows a period of upheaval for the LCLGA, including the resignation of its executive officer.
LGA South Australia has released a new report highlighting an urgent need for more mental health resources to address hoarding and squalor issues in local communities.
The study reveals that South Australian councils spend nearly $2 million annually on staff time for hoarding and squalor cases, with additional costs for waste clean-up.
The report calls for greater multi-agency and government coordination, as well as specialized mental health training for council Environment Health Officers.
It also emphasizes the need for suitable referral pathways for mental health and psychosocial support services.
WA:
City of Greater Geraldton representatives have met with state government Minister John Carey to discuss increasing accommodation and industrial capacity.
Initiatives discussed included a number of projects still in their early planning stages, all of which aim to alleviate Geraldton’s accommodation crisis and stimulate economic growth by providing additional industrial space.
The council said its projects received positive feedback from Minister Carey.
NT:
The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) is urging the Northern Territory Government and the Opposition to address deficiencies in the current code of conduct legislation for local government elected members.
LGANT President, Kon Vatskalis, said misconduct by council members is undermining trust and integrity in local government.
The association is calling for reform of the code of conduct legislation, funding for governance training for council members, and increased resources for the Local Government Unit to respond to misconduct complaints swiftly.
National Briefs:
Sunshine Coast Council will reinstall signs at popular dog beaches to protect shorebirds during their migration season.
Sunshine Coast News reported that the signs, which were initially erected during a trial period, urge dog walkers to keep their pets under control and avoid certain areas.
Burnie City Council has released the initial draft of a new Burnie City Centre Urban Plan, a transformative vision for the city’s centre.
Developed from community feedback, the plan outlines strategic directions and proposed projects to enhance the city’s central business district (CBD).
The plan has already secured $17.3 million in funding from the Tasmanian Government.
Southwest Queensland council Paroo Shire is seeking a new chief executive officer.
The shire is centred on Cunnamulla and has a population of around 1700.
Applications are due by 12th July.
The City of Cockburn has become Perth’s first large suburban local government to declare ‘owl friendly’ status.
The status is motivated by increased protection for native birds of prey, animals and domestic pets from serious illness and death from eating commonly available rat poisons.
The city is developing procedures for use of safer rodent control products.
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I’m delighted to be co-hosting this event with Diane Kalen-Sukra, author, speaker and former senior local government executive,
It takes place on the morning of Friday October 11 in Australia, which is the afternoon or evening of the 10th October across North America and the UK.
Act now to reserve your free space at Tackling Toxicity, Cultivating Civility – supported by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Head to kalenacademy.com/summit to register and find out more.
Global Roundup:
UK:
UK Councils may have to reduce service provision due to growing cost and demand pressures, according to research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
The IFS says there is significant uncertainty about what local governments can expect over the next five years, with the main parties virtually silent on council funding in the lead up to the general election next month.
Based on current conditions, the research predicts that cuts to some council services are highly likely unless spending pressures abate, and that there is a real risk of many more councils being pushed to financial breaking point alongside the likes of Birmingham, Thurrock and Woking.
NZ:
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark will take another month off following a censure due to much publicised conduct issues.
Mayor Clark, who recently underwent open heart surgery, has resisted calls for his resignation, but has been barred from all future public appearances for the rest of his term.
Dr Andy Asquith of the University of Sydney has echoed the resignation calls, saying Mayor Clark has “brought the office into disrepute”.
He has told Scoop that there should be a national code of conduct for councillors and mayors, and has expressed disappointment in the lack of governance training and education.
A New Zealand councillor has written an offensive rant to a neighbouring council, and defended it as a necessary measure to get their attention.
Radio New Zealand reported that Hamilton city councillor Andrew Bydder sent the rant to Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan regarding the placement of a third bridge in Cambridge.
It was included as a submission on the bridge proposal, but was so offensive it was almost completely redacted in the public version.
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate has lodged a formal complaint about Cr Bydder’s conduct, which is now under investigation by independent lawyers.
FRANCE:
A recommended read from Momentum Mag dot com, which highlights efforts in Paris to showcase the city’s commitment to urban cycling, active mobility, and sustainable transportation.
The city has embarked on a transformative journey to become a cycling city of unparalleled excellence, which some are predicting will inspire governments worldwide.
415km of cycle routes will be added in time for the Games.
The city is also working towards becoming a 100% cycling city, with initiatives such as the introduction of “pedestrian hearts” in each district and a specific parking rate for heavy and polluting vehicles.
GERMANY:
A referendum in the German town of Limburg on culling pigeons has led to an uproar among animal rights activists, despite a majority of residents voting in favour.
The Associated Press reported that the issue was prompted by complaints over pigeon droppings in the town’s central square.
Last November, the town council decided to hire a falconer to reduce the pigeon population, leading to protests and a subsequent referendum.
The outcome of the referendum has been met with shock and threats of legal action from animal rights groups.
The town’s officials are still considering how to proceed
US:
Esports gaming is rapidly growing in popularity, and municipalities across the USA are capitalising on the opportunities presented by a market that is projected to be worth $10.9B by 2032.
Cities like Dublin, Ohio, which has created an open-use esports center, while in North Carolina an esports industry grant program is offering incentives to event organisers who spend at least $150,000 in the state per event.
Route-fifty dot com reports that cities are recognising the role of Esports in combatting loneliness and building community among young people.
The popularity of Esports has even led to the International Olympic Committee considering the creation of Olympic Esports Games.
The Alaska Beacon reported this week on how the North Pole City Council has unanimously voted to remove Mayor Michael Welch from office due to his inability to perform his duties.
The decision follows a controversy over the cost of repainting candy-cane-striped streetlights and a recent series of concussions suffered by the mayor.
Mayor Welch, who is Republican candidate for state office, has been replaced temporarily by another member of the council.